Actors Centre North closes

9 May 2012

Following a loss of funding, the Actors Centre North in Manchester is shutting down. here is the statement received by Equity today.

"ACTORS CENTRE NORTH - THE FINAL CURTAIN!

ACN has come to the reluctant conclusion that we must close our doors. Funding has all but ceased, except for continuing support from Equity, which has supported us for many years, and from the Equity Charitable Trust. These are difficult times financially for you and us, and we think our time is done. We leave you knowing that there is now a hugely vibrant and creative acting scene in the North, particularly in Manchester and around, with numerous fringe theatre possibilities.

The Trustees would like to thank all the talented tutors from both North and South, who have given their services over the years to deliver such excellent workshops, and wish them and all those actors who have benefited from them continuing enjoyment of their skills, and the opportunity to practise them.

We have enjoyed our years of making provision for you with workshops and advice, we thank you for your support, and we wish you well in the future.

Equity General Secretary, Christine Payne has written to ACN Manager Maggie Lackey, to thank her and ACN for all their work and for providing a great place for actors in the North, saying that no-one could have tried harder to keep the ACN going in the face of financial cuts from the industry.

If you undertook classes at ACN, please share your memories and comments here.